Schools uniform costs warning

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On the ITV News Facebook page we have been asking whether schools have a "moral responsibility" to keep the cost of pupils' uniform down. Here are some of your views:

I totally believe that school clothing prices are ridiculous, just one school named jumper for my 6 year old son was £9.75!!!! That's without any other clothing.

– Karen Austin

Finally. Our school changed the uniform to a classic tie and blazer scenario and insisted on top brands like Trutex etc. They also changed all of the sports kits, so having 3 children this was a big hit.

– Tony Hanselman

Yes, they do , with the cost of school uniforms, school fund, and school trips, it's getting out of hand. I feel sorry for families today, I am so glad all my children have grown up.

And 97% of parents believe that price is the most important factor to consider when buying uniform, followed by quality and longevity (96% and 95% respectively), according to the survey by the Schoolwear Association.

It also found that 73% of parents agree that school uniform is better value than allowing children to wear their own clothes to school.

Recent figures show that more than half of England's secondary schools have now converted to academy status, and around 50 free school are due to open from this September.

Twenty-four free schools opened in 2011.

Free schools are new schools set up by groups such as parents, teachers and charities.

The LGA said that schools which decide to alter their uniform - for example a newly converted academy that decides to change its emblem - should restrict changes to one or two items or to sew-on logos.

Hard-pressed parents should not end up forking out for expensive uniforms because their child is attending a new free school or a converted academy that is "rebranding" itself, the Local Government Association (LGA) said.

It says that families do not have an "endless pot of cash" for new uniforms and is calling on schools to keep costs to a minimum.